It’s said that art mirrors life. In hip-hop’s case, there’s always been a deliberate entanglement of perception and reality. Fans demand their MCs be real…but never too real. Successful hip-hop is about the hint of the danger, the tease of it, the mystique. Hip-hop is about balance.
Gucci Mane is an artist striving for that balance, volatility versus musicality. Controversy, including a feud with former collaborator Young Jeezy, has grabbed the headlines, with insufficient regard paid to his considerable mic skills, raw talent, and business acumen. Gucci is looking to wrest his name from public speculation and let his own words do the talking.
“I wish everybody well who’s making money in this rap game,” the Atlanta-raised rapper says, dismissing the controversy that followed him in the past. “My own rap game is going so good, I’ve got so many things on my plate at my label, that I don’t got time for other people’s business.” With a deal with Asylum Records as the boss of his own label, So Icey Entertainment, Gucci does indeed have a full schedule with no time to dwell on the past.
“I live my life with no regrets. I just wish that a lot of things never happened, but anybody can wish,” says Gucci. Sounds like a man with his eyes on the prize. And you’d expect nothing less from an artist who ground his way to the top via the hustle of independent records. Signing to Big Cat Records in the wake of his local single “Black Tee,” he dropped his debut record, Trap House, in May 2005. The independent album moved an impressive 140,000 units, largely on the strength of the “Icy” single, featuring Jeezy. Clamor over song rights sparked dispute, and the resulting rift grew.
Controversy notwithstanding, Mane’s independence was cemented: “I was on the independent scene for about two years,” he recalls. “It’s crazy! You gotta go into your own pocket to support your craft. You need other avenues to have money coming in, to support your stuff. You might win, you might lose, and it’s a gamble out there with the independent circuit. One thing you’d better have is good music because without that, you go downhill fast in the independent game.”
Good music firmly in hand, Gucci was fast approaching stardom when more tragedy befell him. But let’s backtrack; how did the man born Radric Davis in Bessemer, Alabama, become Gucci Mane, mouthpiece for Atlanta stuntin’? Mane remembers little from his time in Alabama, just that it was rural, and that it’s changed dramatically since he left at the age of nine. “I gotta shout out Alabama though, because they holdin’ it down,” he affirms. “Every time I go there to do a show, I’m impressed with how hip-hop culture has taken root.”
Mane’s identity coalesced when he moved with his mother to Atlanta. “I lived all of my adolescent and adult life in Atlanta,” he explains. “I’m from East Atlanta Zone Six; it was hard, man, it was real rough. I grew up in the Starter jacket era: they’d take your Starter jacket, your 8Ball jacket, they’d take your hat, your shoes. It was just no holds barred on the streets, dog eat dog. If you missed the bus, you had to be crewed up or you’d get jumped. It was wild when I came up.”
It’s a bleak portrait. When asked to describe his home life more vividly, Mane offers a look into his contemplative side, a side honed as a schoolyard poet. “I was just a young dude in a single parent house most of my life. I can’t complain that much. I would guess it’s like any black child growing up in a single parent household. There are a lot of people who know how that is. I didn’t have a lot coming up; but what I did have, I appreciated. I was blessed to have a caring mother to raise me right and to help me with my business ventures; she’s been there through the whole struggle. There’s a lot that goes along with that; it made me who I am today.”
A stepfather would enter the picture during Mane’s adolescence, introducing not only a male figure, but also inspiration for Mane’s unusual moniker. “My father came in, the original Gucci Mane; that’s what people in the neighborhood called him, and that’s where I get my name from. From then on, I grew up the son of a hustler and a schoolteacher; it was the best of both worlds because I was educated twice.” Drawing inspiration from a pantheon of rappers before him –Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, the Beastie Boys, N.W.A—Mane went on to release Trap House, a lethal brew of his signature sound: “I call my music straight Gucci: going hard and whatever beats you make you for me, if I’m feeling it, if I’m rocking with it, I’m gonna crush it. When you hear me, you hear a lot of pain, a lot of hood; you hear what’s going on in the inner city in Atlanta.”
Unfortunately, Trap House was ill timed; the month of its release, Gucci was accused of murder and jailed for two days. Eventually deemed to be acting in self-defense, and without sufficient evidence to hold him, Mane was exonerated. But the ordeal left an indelible imprint on the man. “I learned to keep better company, watch where I go, and be mindful of my surroundings at all times,” he reveals. “Watch what I say, watch what I do and how I do it, just keep myself out of the wrong crowd.”
“I always stand up man,” he continues. “I’m one of the toughest guys I know. It’ll take a lot more than that to break me down.” Undeterred, Mane was back in the studio, preparing 2006’s eerily apropos Hard To Kill. The buzz from Hard To Kill vaulted Gucci Mane from regional commodity to national treasure, and major labels responded accordingly: “There was a bidding war going on, and I liked Atlantic’s approach. They made it known that they wanted me, they felt where I was going and that I could grow with them.”
Asylum/Atlantic Records welcomed Gucci Mane in early ’07, granting him his own imprint, So Icey Entertainment. With it comes an entire stable of artists, the So Icey Boyz. As the Boyz ready for their own exposure –“I got them in training; they be in the weight room, pumping iron, doing pushups, shopping at the mall, buying ice”—Gucci is focused on his magnum opus, Back to the Trap House. “I started working on the album, and by the third song, I was like ‘This is going back to the Trap House.’ I started feeling the same way I did when I made my first album. It had the same feel to it, the same freshness. And I had the same hunger and desire I had when I first started rapping.”
“Since I went major, I want everybody to know I’m still keeping it street, keeping it hood,” Gucci maintains. “I’m trying to take it back to all my fans that I had when I first started my career. And at the same time, I’m trying to open up my new album to a new fan base. So it’s a mix for everybody coming together, like my first album was.” Gucci has always prided himself on his innate ability, and his refusal to let guest appearances dictate the tone of his records. “I just want people to know I’m a great songwriter, man,” he asserts. “I’m passionate about what I do, and it’s choreographed strategically when I do it. I bring a lot of experience, creative wordplay, and a crazy style. And my albums, I record most of the songs without writing them down; it’s a God-given gift and I just get paid for it. It come from God, it’s like wondering what makes a bird fly. He made me a poet like the great poets of the past.”
But don’t mistake Gucci’s confidence for self-absorption. The vicissitudes of his career have dictated a longer view. Lyrics aside, he’s less preoccupied with visible means and more so with acting as an emissary from his under-repped block. “I’m not the one to glorify what goes on in the hood,” he insists. “We have everything there, the whole range from violence to people getting on the bus and going to work. There’s a lot more to the hood than just drugs. It’s a bigger story, there’s a big picture. I went to school in that neighborhood, I worked there, I trapped there, I hustled there, and I got my name there. I’m proud to be from East Atlanta Zone Six, and I claim there. I hold that on my back and carry that, to be the first one from there to really rock.”
And Gucci’s professional aims have matured as well. While other rappers stress platinum plaques, Gucci hasn’t forgotten the route he took to stardom. “I made a lot of CDs on my own. People fucked with me and supported me, and just made me the man I am today. That’s my blueprint right there, and I stay mindful of it. So now, my only concern is that people feel my music; at the end of the day, I do it for people to feel it. If one person feel it, two people feel it, I feel like my job’s been done.”
Fortunately for Gucci, he should be prepared to welcome an army of new fans with Back to the Trap House. But longstanding fans shouldn’t fear; they’ll recognize “Freaky Gurl,” reprised from its previous appearance from Hard To Kill. Luda, upon hearing the joint, asked for a guest spot on the remix. Said remix now appears as the lead single on Back to the Trap House, following in Gucci’s theme of mating old and new. Over a bouncing, meandering beat from Cyber Sapp, the two cook up the requisite concoction of whips, chips, and chicks. Also look out for “Bird Flu,” the album’s number two single, laced by New-York based Supa Sonics. Elsewhere, firm guest verses from Rich Boy and Pimp C of UGK round out Gucci’s regional flavor, while Bay-area producer Zaytoven (of “Icy” renown) locks down Gucci’s West Coast appeal.
Gucci Mane has something for everyone, and with the struggles of the past in his rearview, Gucci is settled in for his ride to the top. “I’m best known for controversy but I’m trying to gain respect as a songwriter and entertainer. I plan to hit them so hard with this album; who knows what the future will bring. I’ll be banging them out till I can’t bang no more.”
She Loves Money
Gucci Mane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I kick dem hoes out but let the money stay
Makin' love to the money like a sextape
I'm talkin' Kim K I'm talkin' Ray J
Makin' love to money on da interstate
Can't keep my hands off her we on a dinner date
I'm makin' love to my money shawty keep me straight
I can't live without her I fuck her everyday
Shawty stayed by my side when I started grindin'
She da main reason why a nigga shinin'
Strippers can't see me all dis money flyin'
30 years old talkin' 'bout retirin'
I'm a show these hoes who the king of diamonds
Soon as I walk in da king of diamonds
She broke up with me once almost had me cryin'
She know I was cheatin' cause she caught me lyin'
King of the jungle I'm a lion
White lion in da house we named it Miley Cyrus
She never talk back baby very private
She got me talkin' shit but she kinda quiet
Makin' love to the money I swear the sex great
I kick dem hoes off but let the money stay
Makin' love to the money like a sextape
I'm talkin' Kim K I'm talkin' Ray J
Makin' love to money on da interstate
Can't keep my hands off her we on a dinner date
I'm makin' love to my money shawty keep me straight
I can't live without her I fuck her everyday
I gotta take her everywhere cause these niggas crazy
Only leave her by herself on special occasions
I love makin' love cause she so amazin'
When I bring her to the club dem hoes be goin' crazy
Every nigga in da hood wanna fuck my lady
Can't wait for me to slip so they can take my baby
She get me outta jams or tight situations
Little man got no gun at point ain't no limitation
She got me in that thang sittin' on them thangs
Distracted now all them hoes don't look at me da same
Well fuck it they ain't gotta fuck with me at all
I pick my baby up and took her to da mall
Makin' love to the money I swear the sex great
I kick dem hoes out but let the money stay
Makin' love to the money like a sextape
I'm talkin' Kim K I'm talkin Ray J
Makin' love to money on da interstate
Can't keep my hands off her we on a dinner date
I'm makin' love to my money shawty keep me straight
I can't live without her I fuck her everyday
Now baby ain't no angel but she a keeper
Before she dealt with me she dealt with some real evil people
She bought me A.K.'s call it desert eagles
Cocaine hella pills build up stupid reefa
I took her from her ex yeah caught her cheatin'
The very day she left we started beefin'
And she don't never lie to me she keep it real
Yo bitch keep comin' short my bitch keep wearin' heels
She keep on standin' tall she never stand me up
She'll go to war with anybody she don't give a fuck
She help me keep it in the road like a hubcap
So I keep her on my mind like a store cap
Makin' love to the money I swear the sex great
I kick dem hoes out but let the money stay
Makin' love to the money like a sextape
I'm talkin' Kim K I'm talkin Ray J
Makin' love to money on da interstate
Can't keep my hands off her we on a dinner date
I'm makin' love to my money shawty keep me straight
I can't live without her I fuck. her everyday!
In Gucci Mane's She Loves Money, he discusses his relationship with his money which he refers to as "she". He describes how he is "makin' love to the money" and compares this experience to a sextape featuring Kim Kardashian and Ray J. The song depicts Gucci Mane's infatuation with his wealth as he notes that he cannot live without her, and that he aims to keep her close at all times, sometimes taking her to the club to show her off to other people.
It is evident from the lyrics that Gucci Mane sees his money as a source of power and leverage, getting him out of difficult situations and helping him to stand tall. The lyrics suggest that other people, especially women, are not as important to Gucci Mane as his money is, which is why he is not hesitant to kick them out of his life. However, he notes that the money is very private and kind of quiet, which could leave listeners to wonder if he is deeply lonely despite his riches.
Overall, it is important to note that the song employs rap as a medium to portray Gucci Mane's story and shed light on the wealth culture prevalent in many communities today.
Line by Line Meaning
Makin' love to the money I swear the sex great
I'm obsessed with money and it gives me great pleasure to have it.
I kick dem hoes out but let the money stay
Women come and go, but money will always be valuable to me.
Makin' love to the money like a sextape
I treat my relationship with money like a sexual experience.
I'm talkin' Kim K I'm talkin' Ray J
Just like the famous Kim Kardashian and Ray J sex tape, my relationship with money is intimate and public.
Makin' love to money on da interstate
Money is always on my mind, even when I'm traveling.
Can't keep my hands off her we on a dinner date
I'm always focused on money and am constantly finding ways to make more of it.
I'm makin' love to my money shawty keep me straight
Money is my constant companion and helps me stay on track in life.
I can't live without her I fuck her everyday
Money is essential to my survival and I work hard every day to earn it.
Shawty stayed by my side when I started grindin'
Money has always been with me, even during tough times when I had to work hard to earn it.
She da main reason why a nigga shinin'
Money is the primary reason why I am successful.
Strippers can't see me all dis money flyin'
I have so much money that even strippers are amazed by it.
30 years old talkin' 'bout retirin'
Even though I am young, my wealth is so immense that I am already considering retirement.
I'm a show these hoes who the king of diamonds
I have so much money that I can prove my dominance over anyone, including women.
Soon as I walk in da king of diamonds
I am so rich that when I enter the club, I immediately take over as the most dominant and wealthy person there.
She broke up with me once almost had me cryin'
Money is so important to me that I was devastated when I thought I had lost it.
She know I was cheatin' cause she caught me lyin'
Even though I am always making money, I sometimes cut corners to gain more wealth.
King of the jungle I'm a lion
I am the dominant force and leader of my environment, just like a lion in the jungle.
White lion in da house we named it Miley Cyrus
I have so much money that I can afford to have exotic pets, like a white lion, and name it after a famous pop star.
She never talk back baby very private
Money is a silent partner that never talks back or argues with me, and its value is private and personal to me.
She got me talkin' shit but she kinda quiet
Money makes me feel powerful and confident, but I know it is ultimately quiet and reserved.
I gotta take her everywhere cause these niggas crazy
Money is so valuable that I always take it with me, even when I am afraid of being robbed or harmed.
Only leave her by herself on special occasions
Money is always with me, except for rare moments when I trust it to be alone.
I love makin' love cause she so amazin'
I love earning and accumulating money because it is such an amazing and rewarding experience.
When I bring her to the club dem hoes be goin' crazy
Women are attracted to me because of my wealth and the lavish lifestyle it allows me to lead.
Every nigga in da hood wanna fuck my lady
Everyone in my community knows how wealthy I am and wants to take advantage of my fortune.
Can't wait for me to slip so they can take my baby
Other people are always waiting for me to make a mistake so they can steal my money.
She get me outta jams or tight situations
Money is a valuable asset that can help me get out of difficult or dangerous situations.
Little man got no gun at point ain't no limitation
Even though I don't carry weapons, my wealth is enough to protect me from harm or danger.
She got me in that thang sittin' on them thangs
Money allows me to have expensive cars and other luxury items that make me feel powerful and accomplished.
Distracted now all them hoes don't look at me da same
Women are only interested in me because of my money, and if I didn't have it, they would not be interested in me.
Well fuck it they ain't gotta fuck with me at all
I don't care if women only want me for my money, because I am successful and powerful regardless.
I pick my baby up and took her to da mall
Money allows me to have a luxurious lifestyle, where I can afford to shop at expensive stores and buy whatever I want.
Now baby ain't no angel but she a keeper
Money has its downsides, but it is always a valuable asset to have in life.
Before she dealt with me she dealt with some real evil people
Money can be dangerous and attract negative attention from dangerous individuals or organizations.
She bought me A.K.'s call it desert eagles
Money can be used to purchase weapons for protection or self-defense.
Cocaine hella pills build up stupid reefa
Money can also be used to purchase drugs, which can be dangerous and harmful to the user.
I took her from her ex yeah caught her cheatin'
I acquired wealth from other sources, just like how I took my partner from another man who was not treating her well.
The very day she left we started beefin'
Although money is important to me, it can also cause conflict and tension in my relationships.
And she don't never lie to me she keep it real
Unlike people, money is always honest and straightforward with its value and worth.
Yo bitch keep comin' short my bitch keep wearin' heels
Other people may disrespect or underestimate my wealth, but I am always proud of it and show it off.
She keep on standin' tall she never stand me up
Money is always reliable and never lets me down, just like a dependable friend or partner.
She'll go to war with anybody she don't give a fuck
Money is a powerful asset that can help me win any conflict or battle, and it is not scared to take risks or fight for me.
She help me keep it in the road like a hubcap
Money helps me stay on track and focused in life, just like how a hubcap keeps a car's wheels on the road.
So I keep her on my mind like a store cap
Money is always on my mind and is a constant thought in my daily life, just like how a store cap is always on my head.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RADRIC DAVIS, IAN LEWIS, OSCAR ZAYAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LONG COLT
One of his best songs, this is bet than any travis scott song
Wasken Avedissian
Gucci King of Trap music
Wasken Avedissian
I just love this Song bombaaa
Mercedez Negron
I like this Song Alot it Should be number 1
No talent beatz
my nigga guwop!!!! back on tht shit!!
Tyrone McKenzie
300 to a person that responds with an instrumental
cequan mcquinn
She don’t really love me
Ryon
free this man
No talent beatz
#guwopnation
harcha
I have the beat remake by mando on my channel !